Banqueting House

Discover the only surviving complete building of Whitehall Palace and admire the incredible oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens on the ceiling of Banqueting House, which was commissioned by Charles I.

Designed by Inigo Jones for King James I and completed in 1622, The Banqueting House is the only complete surviving building of Whitehall Palace, the sovereign’s principal residence from 1530 until 1698 when it was destroyed by fire. It was also the site of King Charles I execution in 1649.

Originally built for state occasions, plays and masques, the Banqueting House and Whitehall are both popular destinations on the London sightseeing trail – although it’s always worth checking opening hours as it is still one of the finest banqueting venues in the capital and often plays host to royal and Government functions, as well as society events. Don't forget to look up and admire the incredible oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens on the ceiling inside Banqueting House. Commissioned by Charles I as a celebration of the glory of the Stuart monarchs.

If you’re London sightseeing with children, why not combine a visit to the Banqueting House with the Namco Funscape, a short walk over Hungerford Bridge or Westminster Bridge, or take the Thames Cruise with City Cruises – all these London tourist attractions are free with London Pass.

Banqueting House is guaranteed to open from 10.00 until 13.00 Monday to Sunday, but we often close in the afternoon at short notice for functions and events. Before visiting, to ensure that the Banqueting House will be open, please call 020 3166 6155/6154/6152